One blog that I consistently read is BooMama. She is a southern gal who makes me laugh and think and laugh some more. Anyway, today she is celebrating all things "dip" related by asking people to post their favorite dip recipes and link them up to her blog.
I know that most of the dips people share will be for chips or crackers, so I wanted to share an APPLE dip (of course!) My husband's family runs a big apple orchard in Michigan, so we have lots of ways to use apples, but this is so simple and soooo delicious.
Mix equal parts crunchy peanut butter and honey. Add evaporated milk and stir until your desired consistency. Cut up slices of apples and dip!! AMAZING!!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tears for a man I didn't really know
Today I went to my Uncle Vic's funeral. Technically, he wasn't my biological Uncle, he was my dad's cousin, but he and his brother grew up just a few houses down from my dad and his family of 7, so they were all like brothers. I always called him Uncle Vic. I had seen him several times over the years, and knew it would mean a lot to my dad to be there for the funeral, so I went.
I had no idea how emotional I was going to become. I kept saying to myself, "Get it together, Beth! You didn't really even know Vic very well. Why are you such a blubbering mess?"
And then it all came together. Seeing Vic's daughters give memorials to THEIR dad while I sat next to MINE made me think about what the future holds for me. Seeing my aunts and uncles, people who helped shape my childhood but now I have hardly any connection to them, made me sad to think about my neices and nephews. Will I one day be so distant from them that I see them only at funerals? And seeing the pictures. Oh, it was the pictures set to music that really got to me. To see him walking his daughter down the aisle, playing with his grandkids, hugging his wife. It was such a wake-up call to live every moment to the fullest and appreciate each moment we have with those we love.
But in the middle of the sadness there was great joy. Vic had never been one to go to church, even though the rest of his family did. They prayed for years and years. But just last week, a few days before his death, he came to know Jesus and accepted his forgiveness. While he missed out of so much of Christ's peace in his lifetime, he can now experience His ultimate presence in heaven.
So, tonight my heart is heavy with thoughts. Thoughts of family and love and loss and memories. But my heart is also full of those same things.
I had no idea how emotional I was going to become. I kept saying to myself, "Get it together, Beth! You didn't really even know Vic very well. Why are you such a blubbering mess?"
And then it all came together. Seeing Vic's daughters give memorials to THEIR dad while I sat next to MINE made me think about what the future holds for me. Seeing my aunts and uncles, people who helped shape my childhood but now I have hardly any connection to them, made me sad to think about my neices and nephews. Will I one day be so distant from them that I see them only at funerals? And seeing the pictures. Oh, it was the pictures set to music that really got to me. To see him walking his daughter down the aisle, playing with his grandkids, hugging his wife. It was such a wake-up call to live every moment to the fullest and appreciate each moment we have with those we love.
But in the middle of the sadness there was great joy. Vic had never been one to go to church, even though the rest of his family did. They prayed for years and years. But just last week, a few days before his death, he came to know Jesus and accepted his forgiveness. While he missed out of so much of Christ's peace in his lifetime, he can now experience His ultimate presence in heaven.
So, tonight my heart is heavy with thoughts. Thoughts of family and love and loss and memories. But my heart is also full of those same things.
Monday, August 29, 2011
"I hate this job!" and other things I don't want to know
Over the course of the last few years I have come to notice something. It seems that with social media, reality shows, and over-sharing, there is little discretion left. (NOTE: The irony that I am sharing this on the WORLD WIDE WEB via MY BLOG is not lost on me either).
Case in point: retail sales.
I was at Sam's Club the other day with my daughter. I went to find a check-out lane, and saw that there was only one open. It had a long line, but whatever. The cashier working that lane looked ticked. When the manager came over, he asked where _______ was (the other cashier who was supposed to be working lane #4) and loud enough so I could hear it (3 people and Sam's Club carts back) said, "She's in the bathroom, AGAIN!"
As it came time for me to check out, the girl comes back and proceeds to have a conversation with my cashier about some medical issue she is having that necessitates going to the bathroom often. And I just kept thinking, "Are these people the least bit concerned that everyone can hear this?" "Do we all want to know about cashier #4's medical/bathroom issues?
And this is not a one time occurance. I feel like every time I am at a store, I hear the employees complaining loudly about one of the following:
a)another employee who is not doing his/her job so they have to work harder
b)not feeling good (my personal favorite)
c)how many hours they have worked
d)how many hours left to go before they get off work
Now, please don't think I am bashing these workers at all. I've just noticed that nobody seems to have any sense of what you share with customers and what you don't.
Except Chik-Fil-A workers. My word, I don't know where they get these workers and how they keep them motivated, but they seem like they would be there even if they wouldn't get paid.
Now, I will say that we as consumers are just as bad. We talk on our cell phones or text straight through our transaction. We don't even tell the cashiers hi. We make huge deals about having to wait a whole (gasp) FIVE MINUTES in line before getting to the register.
COME ON, PEOPLE! Let's get it together and be kind to one another!
And if you're having a bathroom issue, please don't let me know.
Let the Chik-Fil-A worker know. She'll be MORE THAN HAPPY to cover your shift.
Case in point: retail sales.
I was at Sam's Club the other day with my daughter. I went to find a check-out lane, and saw that there was only one open. It had a long line, but whatever. The cashier working that lane looked ticked. When the manager came over, he asked where _______ was (the other cashier who was supposed to be working lane #4) and loud enough so I could hear it (3 people and Sam's Club carts back) said, "She's in the bathroom, AGAIN!"
As it came time for me to check out, the girl comes back and proceeds to have a conversation with my cashier about some medical issue she is having that necessitates going to the bathroom often. And I just kept thinking, "Are these people the least bit concerned that everyone can hear this?" "Do we all want to know about cashier #4's medical/bathroom issues?
And this is not a one time occurance. I feel like every time I am at a store, I hear the employees complaining loudly about one of the following:
a)another employee who is not doing his/her job so they have to work harder
b)not feeling good (my personal favorite)
c)how many hours they have worked
d)how many hours left to go before they get off work
Now, please don't think I am bashing these workers at all. I've just noticed that nobody seems to have any sense of what you share with customers and what you don't.
Except Chik-Fil-A workers. My word, I don't know where they get these workers and how they keep them motivated, but they seem like they would be there even if they wouldn't get paid.
Now, I will say that we as consumers are just as bad. We talk on our cell phones or text straight through our transaction. We don't even tell the cashiers hi. We make huge deals about having to wait a whole (gasp) FIVE MINUTES in line before getting to the register.
COME ON, PEOPLE! Let's get it together and be kind to one another!
And if you're having a bathroom issue, please don't let me know.
Let the Chik-Fil-A worker know. She'll be MORE THAN HAPPY to cover your shift.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Sit back and watch God move
Over the course of the last year I have really come to understand that no matter how different people are, deep down everyone has the same needs. Each one of us wants to be loved, to be accepted, and to be heard. Whether it's a nursing home resident, a stay-at-home mom, or a teenager. We like to put people in categories, and as soon as we do that, we treat them differently because of their label.
But kids don't know this.
One of the incentives Bridges has for their students is a field trip every Friday. If a student fulfills the requirements, they get invited to the field trip. This Friday was the first field trip of the school year, and I wanted to go. The initial plan was to go to a local pool and swim after school, so my kids were pumped about it. But that morning we found out that the pool's filter had broken and would not be open. Long story short, we went to the Kokomo Reservoir for the kids to play in the water and hang out. Honestly, I don't think I've ever gone to the Reservoir, and it ended up being a really nice place to hang out.
I got there a little late (big surprise) with my kids. Noel was super excited about swimming (he doesn't quite grasp the whole idea of how much nastiness is floating in a creek like that). However, Elise wants nothing to do with swimming. It's been hard all summer taking the two of them swimming because you really can't leave either one alone. So, when we got there, I was just trusting that someone would help me with one of the children.
And those "someone's" turned out to be Anthony and Jessica.
Now, Anthony is one of my sweet Bridges boys. He is short, sweet, and chubby. He is really kind, but doesn't really have a close group of friends in Bridges. When he saw that Noel wanted to go in the water, he immediately said, "I'll take him out." I thought for sure that Noel was going to say no.
Anthony looks different than him.
He talks different than him.
He's older than him.
But against all of my expectations, Noel just ran right out into the water and played with Anthony. It was the most wonderful sight. Here is my little boy, looking for someone to play with him, and here is my student Anthony, looking for someone to be with as well.
And then there was Jessica. I had never met Jessica before, but she is a middle school student who you can tell has a lot of developmental issues. She was playing in the water by herself, too. She and Noel hit it off, and they ended up finding all kinds of "treasures" at the bottom of the reservoir.
Now, I write all of this not to praise my son, because in most circumstances, he is very uncomfortable with new situations. He's not one to open up to strangers. I truly believe this was a God-ordained moment. Here there were two students and one young kid. God knew each of them needed something special that afternoon, so He put them all together.
And I just sat back and watched God move.
Sit back today. Look around. Where is God moving?
But kids don't know this.
One of the incentives Bridges has for their students is a field trip every Friday. If a student fulfills the requirements, they get invited to the field trip. This Friday was the first field trip of the school year, and I wanted to go. The initial plan was to go to a local pool and swim after school, so my kids were pumped about it. But that morning we found out that the pool's filter had broken and would not be open. Long story short, we went to the Kokomo Reservoir for the kids to play in the water and hang out. Honestly, I don't think I've ever gone to the Reservoir, and it ended up being a really nice place to hang out.
I got there a little late (big surprise) with my kids. Noel was super excited about swimming (he doesn't quite grasp the whole idea of how much nastiness is floating in a creek like that). However, Elise wants nothing to do with swimming. It's been hard all summer taking the two of them swimming because you really can't leave either one alone. So, when we got there, I was just trusting that someone would help me with one of the children.
And those "someone's" turned out to be Anthony and Jessica.
Now, Anthony is one of my sweet Bridges boys. He is short, sweet, and chubby. He is really kind, but doesn't really have a close group of friends in Bridges. When he saw that Noel wanted to go in the water, he immediately said, "I'll take him out." I thought for sure that Noel was going to say no.
Anthony looks different than him.
He talks different than him.
He's older than him.
But against all of my expectations, Noel just ran right out into the water and played with Anthony. It was the most wonderful sight. Here is my little boy, looking for someone to play with him, and here is my student Anthony, looking for someone to be with as well.
And then there was Jessica. I had never met Jessica before, but she is a middle school student who you can tell has a lot of developmental issues. She was playing in the water by herself, too. She and Noel hit it off, and they ended up finding all kinds of "treasures" at the bottom of the reservoir.
Now, I write all of this not to praise my son, because in most circumstances, he is very uncomfortable with new situations. He's not one to open up to strangers. I truly believe this was a God-ordained moment. Here there were two students and one young kid. God knew each of them needed something special that afternoon, so He put them all together.
And I just sat back and watched God move.
Sit back today. Look around. Where is God moving?
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Thursday Thank-yous
I am thankful for. . .
321. cool evenings to play outside.
322. reading books with my kids.
323. getting to go shopping with just one child instead of two.
324. church picnics.
325. a new year of Bridges.
326. lifegroups starting up.
327. the end (almost) of all of the canning.
328. reminders that no matter how different people are, everyone wants to be known and respected.
329. homemade salsa.
330. Legos. Fun for the whole family. And because I can only pretend with tractors for so long.
What are you thankful for?
321. cool evenings to play outside.
322. reading books with my kids.
323. getting to go shopping with just one child instead of two.
324. church picnics.
325. a new year of Bridges.
326. lifegroups starting up.
327. the end (almost) of all of the canning.
328. reminders that no matter how different people are, everyone wants to be known and respected.
329. homemade salsa.
330. Legos. Fun for the whole family. And because I can only pretend with tractors for so long.
What are you thankful for?
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Thoughts. . .In No Particular Order
I've been with the kiddos non-stop today and yesterday, so please excuse this random mess of thoughts as I share:
*I can't believe I actually made and canned homemade ketchup (or catsup if you prefer to be weird). The whole time I was doing this I kept thinking, "I'm not sure this is worth it."
*I got a 30% off coupon for Old Navy, and was so pumped about it that I took both kids along as we tried to get them some jeans and maybe a shirt for me. After sifting through all of the clothes and coming up with some good deals, I went to check out, only to find that the coupon doesn't work until THURSDAY!! Well, crap.
*I really need to get back on the exercise wagon. I've been working a lot in the garden and in the yard, so I've been chalking that up to physical fitness, but that will only go so far. Plus I think I ate almost an entire batch of scotcheroos over the course of the last week. I'm convinced that if David wasn't here I would weigh 300 pounds. As soon as the kids are in bed I. just. eat. a lot.
*I'm so ready for my favorite shows to be back on. Top Chef Just Desserts starts tomorrow night, and you know I'll watch it, but it's not the same. I'm looking forward to some Mentalist, a little Castle, and definitely Parks and Recreation.
*We have 3 library books that are missing in action. I'm starting to get nervous.
What's on your mind?
*I can't believe I actually made and canned homemade ketchup (or catsup if you prefer to be weird). The whole time I was doing this I kept thinking, "I'm not sure this is worth it."
*I got a 30% off coupon for Old Navy, and was so pumped about it that I took both kids along as we tried to get them some jeans and maybe a shirt for me. After sifting through all of the clothes and coming up with some good deals, I went to check out, only to find that the coupon doesn't work until THURSDAY!! Well, crap.
*I really need to get back on the exercise wagon. I've been working a lot in the garden and in the yard, so I've been chalking that up to physical fitness, but that will only go so far. Plus I think I ate almost an entire batch of scotcheroos over the course of the last week. I'm convinced that if David wasn't here I would weigh 300 pounds. As soon as the kids are in bed I. just. eat. a lot.
*I'm so ready for my favorite shows to be back on. Top Chef Just Desserts starts tomorrow night, and you know I'll watch it, but it's not the same. I'm looking forward to some Mentalist, a little Castle, and definitely Parks and Recreation.
*We have 3 library books that are missing in action. I'm starting to get nervous.
What's on your mind?
Monday, August 22, 2011
Garden Update and Going It Alone
The garden is overflowing with produce, and we are loving it! Almost every day last week we picked 2 huge bowls of tomatoes. We've had several peppers as well. Also, since the weather cooled off a little, the green beans are growing again. One of my favorite parts of the garden is the onions. They just hang out underground until we need them. It's like going grocery shopping in the back yard. Today I made vegetable soup, and I got to use tomatoes, corn, green beans, and onions. It was great! The second batch of corn is almost ready, so that will be our last big day of putting food up. I tried making onion pepper relish a few weeks ago and it was super runny, so I tried it again today. I'll let you know how they turn out. I'm just not getting the hang of using pectin. Oh well.
In other news, David's work is crazy busy, so I am here with the kids alone for almost the entire week. (Please note: if you are a burgular reading this, please don't rob my house.). He's been working over the last few weeks, but had to work a lot this weekend too. Let me just admit that I am not good with this. I like to think I'm a "go with the flow" kind of girl, but finding out you have the kids all to yourself for the week kind of throws me for a loop. Usually by the time David gets home from work in the evening I'm about to pull my hair out. So my first instinct is to pout and complain about having to watch the kids by myself for a week. But God has gently reminded me that if this is the worst thing I have to complain about, I'm doing pretty well. This is an opportunity for me to rely on God and appreciate how much our family needs David. So I'm trying to see this week as an adventure instead of drudgery (plus, we'll probably have pancakes for dinner at least twice!)
Whatever your week looks like, please take some time and look around to see what you can do to make someone else's week a little easier. Don't ever forget how much we need each other.
In other news, David's work is crazy busy, so I am here with the kids alone for almost the entire week. (Please note: if you are a burgular reading this, please don't rob my house.). He's been working over the last few weeks, but had to work a lot this weekend too. Let me just admit that I am not good with this. I like to think I'm a "go with the flow" kind of girl, but finding out you have the kids all to yourself for the week kind of throws me for a loop. Usually by the time David gets home from work in the evening I'm about to pull my hair out. So my first instinct is to pout and complain about having to watch the kids by myself for a week. But God has gently reminded me that if this is the worst thing I have to complain about, I'm doing pretty well. This is an opportunity for me to rely on God and appreciate how much our family needs David. So I'm trying to see this week as an adventure instead of drudgery (plus, we'll probably have pancakes for dinner at least twice!)
Whatever your week looks like, please take some time and look around to see what you can do to make someone else's week a little easier. Don't ever forget how much we need each other.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Shout out
Today, on this first week of school for most students, I'd like to give a shout out to all of my alma maters.
I love school. I love almost everything about it. I have so many good memories from being a student. Some kids dreaded going to school. I looked forward to it. Not necessarily for the right reasons, but I was usually pretty pumped about being there.
I went to Lincoln Christian College (now Lincoln Christian University) from the fall of 1994 until the fall of 1997. I can't even begin to explain how much this time helped shape me into the person I am today. Lincoln was where I made the best friends I've ever had (excluding my hubby), learned about service, and figured out my faith. Yes, it's in the middle of a cornfield. Yes, it's small. Yes, the smell of the nearby pig farm does waft by a lot. But it was the best choice for me, and I wouldn't trade those years for anything.
I love school. I love almost everything about it. I have so many good memories from being a student. Some kids dreaded going to school. I looked forward to it. Not necessarily for the right reasons, but I was usually pretty pumped about being there.
I went to Lincoln Christian College (now Lincoln Christian University) from the fall of 1994 until the fall of 1997. I can't even begin to explain how much this time helped shape me into the person I am today. Lincoln was where I made the best friends I've ever had (excluding my hubby), learned about service, and figured out my faith. Yes, it's in the middle of a cornfield. Yes, it's small. Yes, the smell of the nearby pig farm does waft by a lot. But it was the best choice for me, and I wouldn't trade those years for anything.
I went to ISU from Winter 1998-Spring 2000. This was where I finished up my English degree. Although I will always hold Lincoln nearest and dearest, I am so thankful that I got to have both the small school and the university experiences as a college student. I remember walking through campus the first week and thinking, "So this is what everyone else has been doing while I was at Lincoln." I had a great time at ISU. It was very challenging at times, but I learned how to defend my faith, how to teach, how to make choices without having strict rules around me. I wish everyone could have these two school experiences.
So, today's shout out goes to my education. I am so grateful for getting to go to college and the opportunities I had because of them. Shout out!!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Thursday Thank-yous
I am thankful for. . .
311. Noel starting a new year of pre-school with excitement and confidence.
312. learning how to can, even if I've made some huge mistakes.
313. movie night out with friends.
314. answered prayers for a friend.
315. the knowledge that "this too shall pass" when it comes to children throwing tantrums, being defiant, and all around disagreeable.
316. a park within walking distance of our house.
317. bike rides and beautiful weather.
318. seeing my former life group students who have graduated doing really well.
319. my crockpot. no joke!
320. seeing God's hand in a situation.
What are you thankful for?
311. Noel starting a new year of pre-school with excitement and confidence.
312. learning how to can, even if I've made some huge mistakes.
313. movie night out with friends.
314. answered prayers for a friend.
315. the knowledge that "this too shall pass" when it comes to children throwing tantrums, being defiant, and all around disagreeable.
316. a park within walking distance of our house.
317. bike rides and beautiful weather.
318. seeing my former life group students who have graduated doing really well.
319. my crockpot. no joke!
320. seeing God's hand in a situation.
What are you thankful for?
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
What I am. . .
doing: finding new music on Amazon while the kids are playing with a hand-me down Leap Pad. Enjoying the silence while it lasts. Pretty soon one of them will scream and/or cry about something the other one has done. Ah, siblings.
eating: watermelon. We bought a big seedless watermelon a few days ago, and since the kids don't like it we are trying to eat it all. fresh salsa with stuff from the garden. sooooo good. scotcheroos. I forgot how much I loved thim.
reading: Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brasheres. Darn you, sisterhood, for sucking me in yet again. Atonement Child by Francine Rivers. A little cheesy but definitely worth the read. The Pale King by David Foster Wallace. Sad and excited at the same time to read it. Not sure I'll ever be able to finish this 533 page tornado of words and thoughts.
changing: schedules are changing now that things are starting back up. Noel started pre-school today, Bridges starts next week, and youth group kick-off was a few days ago. It's good to get back in the swing of things. Also trying to figure out how we are going to serve with Kokomo Urban Outreach this fall.
thinking about: What life is going to look like when both kids are in school. What job will I get? Where will they go to school? Where will we find a house? Does God want us to stay at this house? Also thinking about a dear girl in Haiti, Nadine, as we wait for test results for her.
excited for: my 2 nephews, Jonathan and Jacob (not related). Each will be started college within the next week, and I couldn't be more proud of them. So excited to see where this journey takes them.
eating: watermelon. We bought a big seedless watermelon a few days ago, and since the kids don't like it we are trying to eat it all. fresh salsa with stuff from the garden. sooooo good. scotcheroos. I forgot how much I loved thim.
reading: Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brasheres. Darn you, sisterhood, for sucking me in yet again. Atonement Child by Francine Rivers. A little cheesy but definitely worth the read. The Pale King by David Foster Wallace. Sad and excited at the same time to read it. Not sure I'll ever be able to finish this 533 page tornado of words and thoughts.
changing: schedules are changing now that things are starting back up. Noel started pre-school today, Bridges starts next week, and youth group kick-off was a few days ago. It's good to get back in the swing of things. Also trying to figure out how we are going to serve with Kokomo Urban Outreach this fall.
thinking about: What life is going to look like when both kids are in school. What job will I get? Where will they go to school? Where will we find a house? Does God want us to stay at this house? Also thinking about a dear girl in Haiti, Nadine, as we wait for test results for her.
excited for: my 2 nephews, Jonathan and Jacob (not related). Each will be started college within the next week, and I couldn't be more proud of them. So excited to see where this journey takes them.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Parenting Frustrations
I'm not sure what the exact purpose of my blog is. Sometimes I share funny stories. Sometimes I write about what I'm reading/studying/learning. Sometimes I have pictures and reflections about my kids and husband. Sometimes I just put something on here that's on my mind.
Rarely do I write something like this, but it's what's going on, and if anyone else out there feels this way, I want them to know they are not alone.
I am a frustrated parent.
Not always, and not for long periods of time, but right now I am incredibly frustrated with my son. We are having daily issues right now with sharing. I thought this was something kids learned a lot earlier than 5, but apparently not with him. Today he had a meltdown because I let his sister color in one of his coloring books. ONE PAGE!! And he wouldn't let it go! He was still talking about it several hours later. He kept saying, "But I'll never get to color on that exact page again!" I just wanted to scream. (Okay, I'll confess there was a little screaming. Don't judge too harshly.)
We are at this point where David and I as parents have to figure out how to help Noel learn to share and not be so attached to his things. And as I sit and think about it, I can't help but realize that God is trying to do the same thing with all of us.
Sure, it's not a coloring book page, but what is money, afterall? a piece of paper?
How tightly am I holding on to the "stuff of this earth" (as Rich Mullins would have said) and missing out of so much of what God wants to offer me? To I hold too tightly to comfort? to security? to conformity?
How can I expect Noel to let go and trust me when I can't let go and trust the One who made me to take care of it all?
Thoughts? Comments? Please share.
Rarely do I write something like this, but it's what's going on, and if anyone else out there feels this way, I want them to know they are not alone.
I am a frustrated parent.
Not always, and not for long periods of time, but right now I am incredibly frustrated with my son. We are having daily issues right now with sharing. I thought this was something kids learned a lot earlier than 5, but apparently not with him. Today he had a meltdown because I let his sister color in one of his coloring books. ONE PAGE!! And he wouldn't let it go! He was still talking about it several hours later. He kept saying, "But I'll never get to color on that exact page again!" I just wanted to scream. (Okay, I'll confess there was a little screaming. Don't judge too harshly.)
We are at this point where David and I as parents have to figure out how to help Noel learn to share and not be so attached to his things. And as I sit and think about it, I can't help but realize that God is trying to do the same thing with all of us.
Sure, it's not a coloring book page, but what is money, afterall? a piece of paper?
How tightly am I holding on to the "stuff of this earth" (as Rich Mullins would have said) and missing out of so much of what God wants to offer me? To I hold too tightly to comfort? to security? to conformity?
How can I expect Noel to let go and trust me when I can't let go and trust the One who made me to take care of it all?
Thoughts? Comments? Please share.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Tomatoes in my dreams
This weekend was filled with tomatoes, tomatoes, some peppers, and more tomatoes! I spent most of the day Saturday playing with tomatoes. I used to be scared of canning things, but over the last few years I have grown to enjoy it. I just do the water-bath canning (where you put the jars in boiling water for a certain amount of time) not the pressure-cooker canning (I think I'd blow up the kitchen), but it is really a neat way to preserve your garden treasures or what you buy at the roadside stand or what your friends give you from their garden.
First, I made salsa. I decided to try a few jars with a salsa mix instead of using all of the onions and peppers from the garden. It was tons easier, and tasted really good. I added a few hot peppers, since the salsa mix was labeled "mild", but other than that it was just tomatoes and the mix. It almost makes me excited for winter so we can bust out a jar of this. Almost.
I also made spaghetti sauce. I found this gem of spices that makes spaghetti sauce out of your tomatoes, and it is really easy and delicious. Also, you have the option of freezing or canning the sauce once you make it. I tried both to see if there was any difference in the flavor.
Another thing I tried was making homemade tomato juice. We borrowed a friend's Saucemaster. Yes, it's called a Saucemaster. (Sidenote: Can I please get a cool nickname like Saucemaster? ) We used the rest of the tomatoes, plus the juice leftover from all of the salsa to give it a little kick. For the record, using the Saucemaster is super fun and super messy. Also for the record: I do not like tomato juice at all. This was strictly for David and maybe a bowl of vegetable soup or two, so you know that means I love him.
Hope you are enjoying all of the beautiful summer produce! What are you doing with it?
Another thing I tried was making homemade tomato juice. We borrowed a friend's Saucemaster. Yes, it's called a Saucemaster. (Sidenote: Can I please get a cool nickname like Saucemaster? ) We used the rest of the tomatoes, plus the juice leftover from all of the salsa to give it a little kick. For the record, using the Saucemaster is super fun and super messy. Also for the record: I do not like tomato juice at all. This was strictly for David and maybe a bowl of vegetable soup or two, so you know that means I love him.
Hope you are enjoying all of the beautiful summer produce! What are you doing with it?
Friday, August 12, 2011
Shout out
This week I'd like to give a shout out to this book:
About a year ago I read a book called Radical. If you haven't read that book, stop reading this blog, go geth the book, and read it. It changed my life. Seriously.
One of the ways it changed me was that it opened my mind to a more global perspective. I have traveled to a few different countries, but have never been one to discuss world politics or geography. But over the course of the year I have come to realize that it is my duty as a Christ follower to care about the lost. That means those who don't know God's love next door to me as well as those across the globe. Operation World is an encyclopedia about each country in the world. It gives a brief description of each country and lots of different demographics. It gives a brief political, economic, and religious history as well as tells you what you can specifically pray for for each country.
This book has opened my eyes to what is going on around the world. I can't say enough about how every believer should own this book. So, that's my shout out for this week.
One of the ways it changed me was that it opened my mind to a more global perspective. I have traveled to a few different countries, but have never been one to discuss world politics or geography. But over the course of the year I have come to realize that it is my duty as a Christ follower to care about the lost. That means those who don't know God's love next door to me as well as those across the globe. Operation World is an encyclopedia about each country in the world. It gives a brief description of each country and lots of different demographics. It gives a brief political, economic, and religious history as well as tells you what you can specifically pray for for each country.
This book has opened my eyes to what is going on around the world. I can't say enough about how every believer should own this book. So, that's my shout out for this week.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Thursday Thank-yous
I am thankful for. . .
301. a break from the super-hot weather.
302. people who show my children love.
303. enjoying the last few days of a schedule-free summer before pre-school starts.
304. hand-me-down toys that are new to my kids.
305. food from the garden: coleslaw, homemade salsa, spaghetti sauce, green beans, onions,
306. enjoying an old favorite Disney movie with my kids.
307. scotcheroos. Seriously in love.
308. new opportunity to serve.
309. doing science experiments with Noel.
310. naptime!
What are you thankful for?
301. a break from the super-hot weather.
302. people who show my children love.
303. enjoying the last few days of a schedule-free summer before pre-school starts.
304. hand-me-down toys that are new to my kids.
305. food from the garden: coleslaw, homemade salsa, spaghetti sauce, green beans, onions,
306. enjoying an old favorite Disney movie with my kids.
307. scotcheroos. Seriously in love.
308. new opportunity to serve.
309. doing science experiments with Noel.
310. naptime!
What are you thankful for?
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
The lengths of love
I've been studying the book of 1 Samuel with my high school students at church, and it has been such a learning experience. I know that's always the case, that the teacher learns more than the students, and that's one of the reasons I love teaching. This next week's study will take us through chapters 18 and 19. In chapter 18 we see how Saul is out of control jealous of David. He wants to kill him, actually tries to kill him, and then sends him off into battle, hoping someone ELSE will kill him. There is so much in this chapter that I can't wait to talk to the students about.
But there is one passage that is especially memorable. In it, Saul is offering his second daughter, Michal (David has already refused the first daughter) in marriage. David says no because he has no dowry, so Saul gives him a different option:
100 PHILISTINE FORESKINS!
Seriously?!
Okay, I understand why he did this. He wants David to try and kill 100 Philistines and end up dying, but how in the world am I going to explain this to a room of high school students? How does Michal feel about this?
"Oh, girls, it was so romantic! David paid for my love in foreskins!"
What a story to tell the grandchildren.
But this is one of the things I love about the Bible: the crazy stories. How God works in the midst of crazy, jealous, evil men to show himself. Whoever says the Bible is boring needs to read some of these stories.
But there is one passage that is especially memorable. In it, Saul is offering his second daughter, Michal (David has already refused the first daughter) in marriage. David says no because he has no dowry, so Saul gives him a different option:
100 PHILISTINE FORESKINS!
Seriously?!
Okay, I understand why he did this. He wants David to try and kill 100 Philistines and end up dying, but how in the world am I going to explain this to a room of high school students? How does Michal feel about this?
"Oh, girls, it was so romantic! David paid for my love in foreskins!"
What a story to tell the grandchildren.
But this is one of the things I love about the Bible: the crazy stories. How God works in the midst of crazy, jealous, evil men to show himself. Whoever says the Bible is boring needs to read some of these stories.
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Garden Update
Okay, okay, all of you readers who've been begging to know about Wittenbach Garden! Here is the latest news**
**Nobody has begged to know about the garden, but I needed some sort of motivation to share.
The garden is at the point where we like to call it "out of control" for many reasons:
1. The weeds are overtaking many parts. Our zucchini and cucumbers succumbed to those blasted beetles (R.I.P.), and since nothing is growing there, we no longer weed. The weeds are seriously up to my knees. There are also plants that have run their course (broccoli, snow peas), and so we don't weed them anymore either.
2. The tomatoes are in full bloom, and we cannot keep up with them. Same goes for the peppers.
3. The first batch of corn has been frozen, but we are waiting on the second batch, so we have different heights of corn in the garden as well.
All of this to say, the garden is no longer pretty to take pictures of anymore.
But the products of this garden are BEAUTIFUL!!
We've had roasted peppers, corn on the cob, green beans, fresh salsa, and I haven't had to buy an onion from the grocery for weeks. I tried to make a new recipe, trying to replicate the Harry & David's sweet pepper relish. It tastes good, but it is way too runny, so I'm a little disappointed about it. But something I am not disappointed about is this:
Homemade spaghetti sauce. It was pretty easy, since I kind of cheated and bought a spice packet, but it tastes really good and can be frozen or canned. I tried both methods to see if there is any difference is taste. David said we should have tons and tons of tomatoes, so I'm trying to come up with other ideas. I know canning salsa is on the list, and maybe some more spaghetti sauce. Who knows?
**Nobody has begged to know about the garden, but I needed some sort of motivation to share.
The garden is at the point where we like to call it "out of control" for many reasons:
1. The weeds are overtaking many parts. Our zucchini and cucumbers succumbed to those blasted beetles (R.I.P.), and since nothing is growing there, we no longer weed. The weeds are seriously up to my knees. There are also plants that have run their course (broccoli, snow peas), and so we don't weed them anymore either.
2. The tomatoes are in full bloom, and we cannot keep up with them. Same goes for the peppers.
3. The first batch of corn has been frozen, but we are waiting on the second batch, so we have different heights of corn in the garden as well.
All of this to say, the garden is no longer pretty to take pictures of anymore.
But the products of this garden are BEAUTIFUL!!
We've had roasted peppers, corn on the cob, green beans, fresh salsa, and I haven't had to buy an onion from the grocery for weeks. I tried to make a new recipe, trying to replicate the Harry & David's sweet pepper relish. It tastes good, but it is way too runny, so I'm a little disappointed about it. But something I am not disappointed about is this:
Homemade spaghetti sauce. It was pretty easy, since I kind of cheated and bought a spice packet, but it tastes really good and can be frozen or canned. I tried both methods to see if there is any difference is taste. David said we should have tons and tons of tomatoes, so I'm trying to come up with other ideas. I know canning salsa is on the list, and maybe some more spaghetti sauce. Who knows?
Monday, August 08, 2011
Pass it on
Last week held a monumental moment for me as a mother. I got to braid Elise's hair. It was just a little braid up front to keep her hair out of her eyes, and it didn't last long, but it was new territory. I'm slowing wading into the "beauty pool" with my daughter.
Noel is almost 5, and I can count on one hand the number of times we have had fights/discussions about what he wants to wear. Already with Elise it's a different story. She has certain favorite shirts and shoes, and wants to look "like a princess" or "like Barbie". How does my 2 year-old already have these ideas? Seriously, she watches Handy Manny and Mickey Mouse with Noel. I'm chalking it up to genes and lots of commercials.
Anyway, as I am starting to figure this "daughter" thing out, I am starting to realize how much of what we think about the way we view ourselves is passed down. For years I have struggled with being confident in what I look like. I know that part of it comes from growing up in a family where my mom never viewed herself as beautiful. I think subconsciously we carry those thoughts and tell them to ourselves. And without thought, we say these things out loud. Whether it's "I hate my hair" or "I hope you don't get my thigh", or whatever, my daughter is listening. She is learning. From me.
What is it I want to pass on to my daughter about her looks? Do I want her to care about them? Is there a balance between too much focus on outward appearance and beating yourself up? I'm just beginning to think about these things, but I know that I need to be very careful about the words I say, because my daughter is a sponge who is soaking this all up. I want her to grow up and feel beautiful. Not because of a certain make-up, hairstyle, or dress size, but beautiful because God made her fearfully and wonderfully. The only way she will learn that is through her mom.
Man, this parenting gig is tough.
Noel is almost 5, and I can count on one hand the number of times we have had fights/discussions about what he wants to wear. Already with Elise it's a different story. She has certain favorite shirts and shoes, and wants to look "like a princess" or "like Barbie". How does my 2 year-old already have these ideas? Seriously, she watches Handy Manny and Mickey Mouse with Noel. I'm chalking it up to genes and lots of commercials.
Anyway, as I am starting to figure this "daughter" thing out, I am starting to realize how much of what we think about the way we view ourselves is passed down. For years I have struggled with being confident in what I look like. I know that part of it comes from growing up in a family where my mom never viewed herself as beautiful. I think subconsciously we carry those thoughts and tell them to ourselves. And without thought, we say these things out loud. Whether it's "I hate my hair" or "I hope you don't get my thigh", or whatever, my daughter is listening. She is learning. From me.
What is it I want to pass on to my daughter about her looks? Do I want her to care about them? Is there a balance between too much focus on outward appearance and beating yourself up? I'm just beginning to think about these things, but I know that I need to be very careful about the words I say, because my daughter is a sponge who is soaking this all up. I want her to grow up and feel beautiful. Not because of a certain make-up, hairstyle, or dress size, but beautiful because God made her fearfully and wonderfully. The only way she will learn that is through her mom.
Man, this parenting gig is tough.
Friday, August 05, 2011
Shout out
Okay, so one of my favorite shows is Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and once a week, they do a "shout out" segment where they give a nod to something/someone they love. I've decided in cahoots with Thursday Thank You's, I'm going to turn Friday's into Shout Out day. I hardly ever get around to writing much substance on Friday (my mind tends to be mushy by then), so this could at least be something to share (to the 8 of you who read this).
So. . .let the shout outs begin.
Today I'd like to give a shout out to workout videos from the library. After running for several months in training for the half marathon, I wanted a break from running. Not because I don't enjoy it, but because a)it takes up a lot of time in the evening (my kids are getting too big to push them in the stroller while I run), meaning less time for all 4 of us to be together, and b)have you seen the thermometer lately??!! It's stinkin' hot out there!
So instead of running or the elliptical machine, I've been borrowing workout videos from the library. They are free, so if you hate one, you just return it, no harm--no foul. Plus, I'm pretty sure that hardly anyone uses them, because they never skip, unlike the kids' videos we often get from the library.
This week I tried out the Dancing with the Stars workout, starring some of the professional dancers from the show. Now, please know that I don't watch the show, so I don't know who these ladies are, but these are my 2 thoughts after the workout:
#1: my husband is NEVER going to be in the house when I do this workout. Not because I'm so bad at it (which I am), but because the outfits and the dancing were . . .well. . .can I use the word "adult"? Yowza!
#2: they assume that we are good dancers to begin with. And, I like to fancy myself a dancer, but not with the foxtrot, Fosse step, and tap dancing. I was a trainwreck.
But I did work up a good sweat, so in lieu of that, I am giving my Friday Shout Out to workout videos from the library!!
So. . .let the shout outs begin.
Today I'd like to give a shout out to workout videos from the library. After running for several months in training for the half marathon, I wanted a break from running. Not because I don't enjoy it, but because a)it takes up a lot of time in the evening (my kids are getting too big to push them in the stroller while I run), meaning less time for all 4 of us to be together, and b)have you seen the thermometer lately??!! It's stinkin' hot out there!
So instead of running or the elliptical machine, I've been borrowing workout videos from the library. They are free, so if you hate one, you just return it, no harm--no foul. Plus, I'm pretty sure that hardly anyone uses them, because they never skip, unlike the kids' videos we often get from the library.
This week I tried out the Dancing with the Stars workout, starring some of the professional dancers from the show. Now, please know that I don't watch the show, so I don't know who these ladies are, but these are my 2 thoughts after the workout:
#1: my husband is NEVER going to be in the house when I do this workout. Not because I'm so bad at it (which I am), but because the outfits and the dancing were . . .well. . .can I use the word "adult"? Yowza!
#2: they assume that we are good dancers to begin with. And, I like to fancy myself a dancer, but not with the foxtrot, Fosse step, and tap dancing. I was a trainwreck.
But I did work up a good sweat, so in lieu of that, I am giving my Friday Shout Out to workout videos from the library!!
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Thursday Thank-yous
I am thankful for . . .
291. hearing my kids make each other laugh.
292. the beauty of nature.
293. opportunities to help people.
294. sun tea.
295. encouraging words from someone.
296. escaping in a good book.
297. a week with my dearest friends.
298. road trips.
299. great babysitters when needed.
300. celebrating seven years of marriage with my best friend.
What are you thankful for?
291. hearing my kids make each other laugh.
292. the beauty of nature.
293. opportunities to help people.
294. sun tea.
295. encouraging words from someone.
296. escaping in a good book.
297. a week with my dearest friends.
298. road trips.
299. great babysitters when needed.
300. celebrating seven years of marriage with my best friend.
What are you thankful for?
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Family Vacation, Chapter 2: A Walk in the Woods
One of the things we enjoyed the most on our vacation was hiking. I guess you would probably just call it walking, since we had a 2 year-old, a 4 year-old, a 6 year-old, and an 8 year-old with us, but we enjoyed as many trails as we could. I was a little nervous at first taking the little ones along, but they did really well. There were only a few meltdowns, and only one hornet sting (poor Noel!), but their little legs just kept going. We usually hiked in morning or right before bedtime, since it was incredibly hot, but most of the trails were pretty shaded, and we armed ourselves with plenty of water.
Jude showed Noel the ropes of hiking: how to go off the trails and find "treasures".
Our only family picture of the whole week. Don't judge. It was very hot.
Here comes trouble.
Enjoying a break on the rocks.
A walking stick is a must when hiking.
Thumbs up from the Wittenbachs!
Jude showed Noel the ropes of hiking: how to go off the trails and find "treasures".
Our only family picture of the whole week. Don't judge. It was very hot.
Enjoying a break on the rocks.
A walking stick is a must when hiking.
Monday, August 01, 2011
Family Vacation. Chapter 1: The Joy is in the Journey
Enter child #2. Now, I'm not saying it's Elise's fault we didn't travel so much anymore. It's just that traveling with 2 little ones is a lot of work. We had a horrendous trip to Atlanta when Elise was about 6 weeks old that still makes me shudder, so we were a little gunshy.
But little by little we have gotten back into traveling, and last week we went on a trip to Devil's Den State Park in northwest Arkansas. It was about a 12 hour drive, so we decided to break it up into 2 days and enjoy the trip.
On our first day we drove to a little diner near St. Louis called the Blue Springs Diner. It's a family style restaurant with all the fixin's. And it was delicious. Too bad our children weren't really into eating. So David and I took turns entertaining the childrent while the other one gobbled down as much food as we could. Hey, good food is good food.
We made a pit stop in St. Louis to visit my dear friend Jennifer Reedy. Jen and I were roommates when I went to Illinois State. We had such a good time visiting with her, seeing her house, meeting her dogs and just laughing. My kids, of course, were crazy because they had been cooped up all day in the car. I'm just glad they didn't break anything.
We stopped for the night in Rolla, nearly missing a huge storm, so we were very thankful for that. Noel and David enjoyed the pool at the hotel and Elise and I enjoyed some Food Network (I'll have to write another post about how my daughter will not get in pools. "Too scary," she says). The kids slept well and we were on our way early the next morning after I introduced Noel and Elise to the hotel wafflemaker. Mmmmmm
By the way, does anyone really eat the hard boiled eggs at a continental breakfast? They look strange and very uninviting to me.
We arrived at the park Monday afternoon, and the fun commenced, especially after Matt, Jenni, Jude, and Mattie Collins family arrived and we got groceries. Two ingredients to a fun time: food and the Collins family.
More to come in the next chapter. . .
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)